The recent documentary TMZ Presents: The Real Hulk Hogan has generated significant discussion in the wrestling world, not only for its comprehensive look at Hogan’s career but also for the notable interviews it secured, including WWE Hall of Famer Vince McMahon’s first major on-camera appearance since his departure from WWE. AEW’s Jim Ross, a legendary wrestling commentator and longtime insider, offered his candid assessment of McMahon’s presence in the special during an episode of his podcast Grilling JR.
Vince McMahon’s Unsettling Appearance
Jim Ross’s reaction to Vince McMahon’s look during the TMZ documentary was blunt and concerned. Ross described McMahon as appearing “horrible,” noting that he seemed “tired, withdrawn, and frustrated.” Ross speculated that McMahon might have been uncomfortable being featured in a production outside his control, which contributed to his awkward demeanor on camera. He was particularly critical of McMahon’s makeup and styling, highlighting his hair and colored eyebrows as elements that seemed out of place and drew negative attention to his aged appearance[2].
Ross conveyed that McMahon’s eyes “tell a big story,” implying that beyond physical appearance, there was a visible emotional fatigue. This observation from a longtime colleague who has known McMahon personally adds gravity to the impression many viewers had watching the documentary.
A Fluff Piece Rather than an Exposé
Beyond the personal critique, Ross expressed his overall opinion of TMZ Presents: The Real Hulk Hogan as a “fluff piece on steroids” rather than a hard-hitting investigative documentary. He felt the special leaned more toward a tribute honoring Hogan’s iconic status than critically addressing the controversies that have shadowed Hogan in recent years, especially the infamous racist remarks that emerged publicly and tarnished Hogan’s legacy.
The documentary features interviews with Hulk Hogan’s closest friends and wrestling personalities such as Mick Foley, Bill Goldberg, Jimmy Hart, and WWE superstars including Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair[1]. Still, Ross believed it ultimately skated across deeper issues in favor of nostalgia and positive reminiscence[2].
Context: McMahon’s Role in Hogan’s Career and WWE History
Vince McMahon’s prominence in wrestling is inseparable from Hulk Hogan’s rise to global fame in the 1980s. McMahon and Hogan together crafted the WWF’s expansion into American pop culture, establishing Hogan as the face of professional wrestling for a generation. Given this history, Vince’s appearance in this documentary is especially significant as it reflects on a major chapter of WWE’s—and wrestling’s—past.
According to sources close to WWE, McMahon agreed to participate in the TMZ documentary as part of an effort to manage his public image in the post-WWE era. A backstage insider shared, “Vince is always conscious of his legacy, and while this was not under WWE’s banner, he saw an opportunity to be part of a historical narrative surrounding Hulk Hogan”[2].
Mixed Reactions from Wrestling Community
Reactions to McMahon’s physical condition and appearance in the documentary have been mixed but largely empathetic in wrestling circles. Veteran commentators and talent have remarked on how age and stress appear to have taken a toll on the wrestling mogul. Jim Cornette, another wrestling figure, famously likened McMahon’s look to an elderly Count Dracula, a comment reflecting a perception of decline[4].
Fans and analysts have noted this public appearance is one of the rare glimpses of McMahon since his contentious departure from WWE amidst scandal and controversy surrounding WWE’s handling of various allegations. This documentary thus serves as both a personal and professional crossroads moment.
What This Means for WWE and Wrestling Media
McMahon’s participation, coupled with Jim Ross’s remarks, underscores a shifting media landscape where wrestling figures are now subject to broader documentary-style retrospectives outside of WWE’s promotional control. The TMZ documentary’s reach via FOX and Hulu reveals that interest in wrestling history and its personalities extends far beyond traditional WWE programming or wrestling-dedicated platforms[1].
This also touches on the changing relationship between former WWE executives and the wrestling media ecosystem, with figures like Ross—now aligned with AEW—commenting openly about their former employer’s top brass. A WWE insider noted, “The days of strictly controlled WWE narratives are fading; talent and legends like Jim Ross are carving out new independent voices that provide fresh, sometimes critical perspectives”[2].
Final Thoughts from Jim Ross
Ross concluded his commentary by reflecting on the human side of Vince McMahon, reminding listeners that behind the mogul’s public persona is a man experiencing the effects of time and pressures unprecedented in the wrestling industry. Given his long professional history with McMahon, Ross’s insights carry a personal weight; he is neither dismissive nor disrespectful, but observant and concerned.
This candid look at Vince McMahon in TMZ Presents: The Real Hulk Hogan adds a new layer of complexity to the legendary status of pro wrestling’s architects and icons, portraying the realities behind the spectacle.
About the Documentary:
TMZ Presents: The Real Hulk Hogan aired on August 12, 2025, spotlighting Hogan’s rise and legacy while addressing controversies to an extent. The special includes interviews with wrestling legends and McMahon’s rare public commentary since WWE’s leadership turmoil[1][3].
Insider Quote:
“Vince wanted to be part of the story but the setting was out of his hands. It’s clear he’s battling more than just public scrutiny now,” a WWE source revealed[2].